The design principle of compact range antennas

Summary form only given. The merits of single- and dual-reflector CRAs (compact range antennas) are reviewed. When the diameter of the CRA is fixed, the theoretical maximum usable range is limited by lambda /sub max/ and the mutual coupling, which determine the choice of L (the distance between the aperture and the working region). This relationship is the same for single- and dual-reflector CRAs. To reduce the ripple of the field across the working region, some form of loading on the edge of the CRA reflector is necessary. The principle of loading is analyzed, and three kinds of loading (serrated edge, rolled back edge, and taper illumination) are shown to be fundamentally similar.<>